2003 Volvo xc70 Starter Problem

[as4109]

I am hoping some could help me troubleshoot a starter issue with my 2003 xc70. After dropping the oil pan and replacing the o-rings, the car started with absent problems the following day. I needed a new battery anyway so I purchased one and installed it. I had the terminals disconnected for a a few hours while tracking down a battery. I returned and installed the new battery and the engine would not turn over, just a click at the starter/solenoid. So from the ignition switch I was not able to start the engine, a 2.5T. However, When I provided power to the starter from the starter relay terminal with my power probe 3, the starter then turned over the engine. But, the starter seemed lazy and when I provided power to the starter again in the same fashion a few seconds after the starter or solenoid would click. As I click the power button back and forth causing that click at the starter/solenoid, (thus simulating the on/off of the ignition) the starter would eventually engage and turn over the engine. I believe I eliminated the starter relay by swapping it out with another working one and having the same results. I am getting my 12.6 at the starter, so I am inclined to believe either a bad connection at the starter or solenoid or both need to be replaced. Any help would be appreciated..........Also if anyone has any pictures or a tutorial of replacing a starter in a 2003 xc70 please share. I have Vida and there diagrams seem to be contradictory to what I see needs to be done to complete a starter removal and installation...Thanks

[draser]

Can you access/measure voltage at exit (going into starter motor) of starter solenoid? Should be same 12.6V you see at starter.

[as4109]

Good evening and thanks for replying. Yes I have 12.6 v at the starter. There is no voltage loss from relay to starter which leads me to believe it is the starter or solenoid.

[vtl]

Try to remove smaller signal wire from starter, thoroughly clean electrical contacts, apply some dielectric grease (make sure you have a contact prior this!) and reinstall. That cured similar problem for a few people here, me included.

[as4109]

Thanks for responding. That will be my next move once the weather breaks here. I need to remove a few things to gain access to the starter and it's connections.

[vtl]

You can do this wire without removing anything. Try to wiggle it a bit and see it starter begins to catch.

[draser]

I am talking about the wire going into starter motor, on other side of solenoid. You know, power wire goes into one side of solenoid and the other goes to starter motor.. That will tell if solenoid contact works.

[as4109]

OK, I wiggled the wire to the solenoid while my wife attempted to start the car. Nothing but a click at the Starter/Solenoid. I'm now leaning toward a starter and solenoid replacement.... The connector is a male/female type so I would imagine I will be replacing that with something more resistant to the elements. I can't even believe that Volvo would place such a connector inline to the starter in a location that is difficult to get at. Once I get this apart I will be able to see exactly what I am dealing with.....Will keep you posted.. Need to order a starter and solenoid.....Also I think I am removing the radiator fan to gain access although the book calls for removing the exhaust manifold. Any advise of this...thanks

[vtl]

I put TYC starter into 2002 V70. It has N/A engine and thus a bit more space around starter. Didn't have to pull anything large like intake manifold. The only hard problem was hidden support bracket, which holds back of OE starter to engine block. TYC replacement doesn't have it. I did the work in the night, outside of garage, with very little light available, and didn't see what else holds unbolted starter in place. Had to start up VIDA and check the instructions.

TYC is awesome, I'd say it is performing better than OE. Engine fires in 1/2 seconds in all weather conditions. Not to tell its price was a quarter of Volvo OE.

[Vovo_merz]

Also I think I am removing the radiator fan to gain access although the book calls for removing the exhaust manifold. Any advise of this...thanks

done this few times either to get access to starter or ETM,
first remove intake/turbo pipe that goes on top of the engine, then radiator fan, then to make it easier remove another intake pipe that goes from intercooler to ETM ( it sits there tight make sure not to break anything) taking it off then you have easy access to the starter

another suggestion, not sure of your car milage or if it was done already but would suggest getting your PVC system cleaned or replaced depending on how much you want to spend on the car then you will have to do the same procedure for starter but also remove the exhaust manifold then it will make both jobs much easier to do ( don't forget to clean your ETM while there)